Transforming the Japanese Obi

The breathtaking beauty of a woman in a kimono is a memory many carry home from Japan. Yet the kimono cannot be worn without its elegant counterpart, the obi — a belt-like accessory whose colors and patterns enhance the garment. In this hands-on workshop, French fashion designer Clémentine opens up her world, sharing her knowledge of kimono and obi through a relaxed creative experience that ends with the making of a modern pouch from a vintage obi. She takes you on a journey through time, explaining the evolution of these garments and how advances in textile manufacturing shaped their design. You explore different types of kimono, learn about their occasions and etiquette and see up close the textiles — brocade, silk, hand-dyed patterns — that make each piece distinct. Then comes the transformation: choosing from Clémentine’s collection of vintage obi, you design your own accessory — a pouch that breathes new life into traditional textile, letting you carry a piece of Japan with you.

While kimono remain an important part of Japanese tradition, many are worn only once — at weddings or formal events — then stored away and forgotten. Clémentine’s workshop - inside a traditional Japanese house - honors these garments and the artisans behind them by giving the fabric new purpose. Her practice is rooted in upcycling, but it’s more than sustainability: it’s about artful transformation. She selects obi with patterns too bold or ornate for modern daily wear, and turns them into striking, functional accessories. In doing so, she reconnects this heritage craft with everyday life. A trained designer with a deep reverence for Japanese textiles, Clémentine approaches each piece with care. She believes this process honors the artisans who created the textiles, allowing their art to be seen, admired and used once again. By guiding you to create something beautiful and personal, she invites you to participate in a living tradition — one shaped by both preservation and creativity.

Clementine has a background in fashion design and has become an expert in Japanese traditional textiles while living in Japan for over a decade. She will welcome you into her lovely studio located in a quiet Kyoto neighborhood, where you can enjoy learning, making, conversing, and discovering at your own pace.

Just your curiosity and creativity as you learn about kimono and obi and choose the patterns for your bag design. During this experience you will be creating a unique bum bag/pouch, but you can also chose to upgrade to another design on the day (for an additional cost to be paid onsite). Clutches, travel bags or backpacks are available upgrade options and samples will be displayed on site.